In India's race to power day after the Bhartiya Janata Party named Pawan Singh as the contestant from Asansol soul for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Bhojpuri singer has said that he would not be contesting the elections. Another BJP leader Dr Harsh Vardhan quits politics, says bowing out to return to his (medical) roots. Watch to know more!

Lok Sabha elections: PM Modi heads council meet of Union Ministers | Dr Harsh Vardhan quits politics

In a major show of strength and unity opposition parties held a 'Jan Vishvas' or people's confidence rally in Patna the Capital of Bihar State. Bihar party Rashtriya Janata Dal led by leader Lalu Prasad Yadav spearheaded the event. Other opposition leaders present included congress party leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge along with Samajwadi party leaders and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. Watch to know more!

India: Opposition parties hold 'Jan Vishvas' rally in Bihar | Lok Sabha Elections 2024

<p>During the last formal meeting of the Council of Ministers ahead of the upcoming general elections, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a brainstorming session on Sunday (Mar 3)&nbsp;on the ‘Viksit Bharat (Developed India) 2047’ document, reported news agencies citing sources from the Government of India.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What we know about the discussions</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian PM and his Council of Ministers, in addition to brainstorming on the vision document, also reportedly held discussions on a detailed action plan for the next five years while exuding confidence of returning to power for a third successive term.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Lok Sabha Polls 2024 | Former Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan bows out of active politics</strong></p>

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<p>Media reports citing sources also said that a 100-day agenda is being worked upon for quick implementation of the plan after the formation of the new government in May 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The plan ‘Viksit Bharat (Developed India) 2047’ reportedly comes after more than two years of ‘intensive preparation’ that included extensive consultations among ministries, state governments, industry experts, scientific organisations and so on.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
As per reports, PM Modi spoke for an hour in the meeting&nbsp;that was attended by all ministers and departmental secretaries.</p>

<p>The vision document has reportedly been prepared after more than 2700 meetings across ministries from December 2021 to January 2024. It also includes examination and incorporation of 450 recommendations based on the consultation of 15 stakeholders.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-budget-2024-fm-sitharaman-tables-interim-budget-says-working-to-viksit-bharat-by-2047-685816">India Budget 2024: Sitharaman says PM Modi's govt working towards making country ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047</a></strong></p>

<p>The government had also reportedly received suggestions from more than two million youth. The roadmap of ‘Viksit Bharat’ has a comprehensive blueprint and an articulated national vision, aspirations, goals, and action plans, reported news agency ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report added, that the goals include aspects like economic growth,&nbsp;Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ease of doing business, infrastructure, social welfare, and so on.</p>

<p>Last month while&nbsp;tabling the 2024 interim Budget in the Parliament, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman&nbsp;said that the government led by PM Modi will be working towards making the country a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-bjps-first-list-puts-focus-on-continuity-winnability-top-points-696077">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP's first list puts focus on continuity, winnability | Top points</a></strong></p>

<p>At the time, Sitharaman also emphasised the government’s aim to work towards an economic and social development model which is “all round, all inclusive, and all pervasive”.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India’s general elections 2024</strong></h2>

<p>The Cabinet meeting was held a day after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its first list of candidates for the upcoming general elections where PM Modi is seeking a third consecutive term. The list included 195 candidates from across 16 states with 28 women and 47 candidates below 50.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Election Commission of India (ECI) is expected to announce the dates of the general elections soon.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


During the last formal meeting of the Council of Ministers ahead of the upcoming general elections, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a brainstorming session on Sunday (Mar 3) on the ‘Viksit Bharat (Developed India) 2047’ document, reported news agencies citing sources from the Government of India.

During the last formal meeting of the Council of Ministers ahead of the upcoming general elections, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a brainstorming session on Sunday (Mar 3) on the ‘Viksit Bharat (Developed India) 2047’ document, reported news agencies citing sources from the Government of India. What we know about the discussions The Indian PM and his Council of Ministers, in addition to brainstorming on the vision document, also reportedly held discussions on a detailed action plan for the next five years while exuding confidence of returning to power for a third successive term. WATCH | Lok Sabha Polls 2024 | Former Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan bows out of active politics Media reports citing sources also said that a 100-day agenda is being worked upon for quick implementation of the plan after the formation of the new government in May 2024. The plan ‘Viksit Bharat (Developed India) 2047’ reportedly comes after more than two years of ‘intensive preparation’ that included extensive consultations among ministries, state governments, industry experts, scientific organisations and so on. As per reports, PM Modi spoke for an hour in the meeting that was attended by all ministers and departmental secretaries. The vision document has reportedly been prepared after more than 2700 meetings across ministries from December 2021 to January 2024. It also includes examination and incorporation of 450 recommendations based on the consultation of 15 stakeholders. Also Read | India Budget 2024: Sitharaman says PM Modi's govt working towards making country ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 The government had also reportedly received suggestions from more than two million youth. The roadmap of ‘Viksit Bharat’ has a comprehensive blueprint and an articulated national vision, aspirations, goals, and action plans, reported news agency ANI. The report added, that the goals include aspects like economic growth, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ease of doing business, infrastructure, social welfare, and so on. Last month while tabling the 2024 interim Budget in the Parliament, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the government led by PM Modi will be working towards making the country a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047. Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP's first list puts focus on continuity, winnability | Top points At the time, Sitharaman also emphasised the government’s aim to work towards an economic and social development model which is “all round, all inclusive, and all pervasive”. India’s general elections 2024 The Cabinet meeting was held a day after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its first list of candidates for the upcoming general elections where PM Modi is seeking a third consecutive term. The list included 195 candidates from across 16 states with 28 women and 47 candidates below 50. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is expected to announce the dates of the general elections soon. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi chairs brainstorming session to discuss ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ plan, set 100-day agenda

<p><strong>Lok Sabha Elections 2024</strong>: Ahead of general elections later this summer, the Indian Ministry for Electronics and Information Technology has told the companies that own Artificial Intelligence platforms that their services must not generate the responses that "threaten the integrity of the electoral process".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The advisory was sent to generative Artificial Intelligence platform-owning companies like Google and OpenAI as well as the ones that run similar platforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Platforms that currently offer "under-testing/unreliable" AI systems or Large Language Models (LLMs) to Indian users must also label the possible "fallibility or unreliability of the output generated".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ai-chatbots-providing-inaccurate-and-harmful-election-information-study-694756">AI chatbots providing inaccurate and harmful election information: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>Google’s AI platform Gemini was recently under fire for answers generated by the platform on a question about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that the advisory is a “signal to the future course of legislative action that India will undertake to rein in generative AI platforms”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;AI deepfakes pose threat to elections worldwide</strong></p>

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<p>Chandrasekhar, who has been named BJP Lok Sabha candidate for the 2024 General Elections from southern India's Thiruvananthapuram, said that the government may seek a demo of their AI platforms including the consent architecture they follow.</p>

<p>The companies have been asked to submit an action taken report within 15 days.</p>

<p>"The use of under-testing / unreliable Artificial Intelligence model(s)/ LLM /Generative AI, software(s) or algorithm(s) and its availability to the users on Indian Internet must be done so with the explicit permission of the Government of India and be deployed only after appropriately labeling the possible and inherent fallibility or unreliability of the output generated. Further, the 'consent popup' mechanism may be used to explicitly inform the users about the possible and inherent fallibility or unreliability of the output generated," the advisory said.</p>

<p>The government has further asked the companies that they must also label the AI-generated responses with a permanent unique identifier so that the creator or the first originator of any misinformation or a deepfake could be identified.</p>

<p>"Where any intermediary through its software or any other computer resource permits or facilitates synthetic creation, generation or modification of a text, audio, visual or audio-visual information, in such a manner that such information may be used potentially as misinformation or deepfake… is labeled or embedded with a permanent unique metadata or identifier… (to) identify the user of the software," the advisory added.</p>

<p>"All intermediaries or platforms to ensure that their computer resource do not permit any bias or discrimination or threaten the integrity of the electoral process including via the use of Artificial Intelligence model(s)/ LLM/ Generative AI, software(s) or algorithm(s)," it said.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Ahead of general elections later this summer, the Indian Ministry for Electronics and Information Technology has told the companies that own Artificial Intelligence platforms that their services must not generate the responses that "threaten the integrity of the electoral process".

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Ahead of general elections later this summer, the Indian Ministry for Electronics and Information Technology has told the companies that own Artificial Intelligence platforms that their services must not generate the responses that "threaten the integrity of the electoral process". The advisory was sent to generative Artificial Intelligence platform-owning companies like Google and OpenAI as well as the ones that run similar platforms. Platforms that currently offer "under-testing/unreliable" AI systems or Large Language Models (LLMs) to Indian users must also label the possible "fallibility or unreliability of the output generated". Also read | AI chatbots providing inaccurate and harmful election information: Study Google’s AI platform Gemini was recently under fire for answers generated by the platform on a question about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that the advisory is a “signal to the future course of legislative action that India will undertake to rein in generative AI platforms”. Also watch | AI deepfakes pose threat to elections worldwide × Chandrasekhar, who has been named BJP Lok Sabha candidate for the 2024 General Elections from southern India's Thiruvananthapuram, said that the government may seek a demo of their AI platforms including the consent architecture they follow. The companies have been asked to submit an action taken report within 15 days. "The use of under-testing / unreliable Artificial Intelligence model(s)/ LLM /Generative AI, software(s) or algorithm(s) and its availability to the users on Indian Internet must be done so with the explicit permission of the Government of India and be deployed only after appropriately labeling the possible and inherent fallibility or unreliability of the output generated. Further, the 'consent popup' mechanism may be used to explicitly inform the users about the possible and inherent fallibility or unreliability of the output generated," the advisory said. The government has further asked the companies that they must also label the AI-generated responses with a permanent unique identifier so that the creator or the first originator of any misinformation or a deepfake could be identified. "Where any intermediary through its software or any other computer resource permits or facilitates synthetic creation, generation or modification of a text, audio, visual or audio-visual information, in such a manner that such information may be used potentially as misinformation or deepfake… is labeled or embedded with a permanent unique metadata or identifier… (to) identify the user of the software," the advisory added. "All intermediaries or platforms to ensure that their computer resource do not permit any bias or discrimination or threaten the integrity of the electoral process including via the use of Artificial Intelligence model(s)/ LLM/ Generative AI, software(s) or algorithm(s)," it said. (With inputs from agencies)

India steps up efforts to ensure Artificial Intelligence does not threaten integrity of elections

India's RLD party president Jayant Chaudhary on Friday signalled that he would be switching over to the NDA ahead of the Lok Sabha polls as he hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his government's decision to confer Bharat Ratna on his grandfather and former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh.

India Lok Sabha elections 2024: Zee News-Matrize poll says NDA vote share up by 5% | World DNA

<p>India's Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi said that Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman may contest the upcoming parliamentary elections from southern state of Karnataka.</p>

<p>"Dr S Jaishankar and Nirmala Sitharaman may contest from Karnataka or from other state constituencies. There is still no clarity about the constituency," Union Minister Pralhad Joshi told reporters in Karnataka's Hubballi, as quoted by news agency ANI.</p>

<p>External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is currently a member of Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India. Contesting elections would possibly make him&nbsp;member&nbsp;of Lok Sabha, the lower house of the parliament.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Lok Sabha Polls: CPI fields its candidate from Wayanad, Congress-Left alliance in tatters in Kerala?</strong></p>

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<p>Chief of Karnataka unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) BY Vijayendra earlier said that BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) will contest the elections together.</p>

<p>"All our leaders have assured our Home Minister (Amit Shah) that BJP and JDS will fight the elections unitedly in all 28 Lok Sabha constituencies and we will make 100 per cent efforts to win all 28 Lok Sabha seats," said Karnataka BJP chief earlier this month.</p>

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up for the Lok Sabha election and has held core group meeting of in-charges of five states at party HQ in New Delhi. The meeting was led by BJP National President JP Nadda,&nbsp;India's Home Minister Amit Shah and party's general secretary BL Santosh.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/widening-fissures-in-india-bloc-cpi-names-its-candidate-on-rahul-gandhis-wayanad-seat-694305">Widening fissures in INDIA bloc? CPI names its candidate on Rahul Gandhi's Wayanad seat</a></strong></p>

<p>As reported by ANI, this meeting was held in phases and included discussions about Lok Sabha election preparations in other states like Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-exports-defy-global-headwinds-reaching-new-shores-in-africa-latin-america-central-asia-694291">India's exports defy global headwinds: Reaching new shores in Africa, Latin America, &amp; Central Asia</a></strong></p>

<p>The meeting of BJP's central election committee will possibly be held at the end of February or in the first week of March. It is likely that during this meet, discussions on over 100 Lok Sabha seats would take place.</p>

<p>PM Narendra Modi-led BJP is aiming to win a third term at the centre.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi said that Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman may contest the upcoming parliamentary elections from southern state of Karnataka.

India's Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi said that Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman may contest the upcoming parliamentary elections from southern state of Karnataka. "Dr S Jaishankar and Nirmala Sitharaman may contest from Karnataka or from other state constituencies. There is still no clarity about the constituency," Union Minister Pralhad Joshi told reporters in Karnataka's Hubballi, as quoted by news agency ANI. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is currently a member of Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India. Contesting elections would possibly make him member of Lok Sabha, the lower house of the parliament. Watch | Lok Sabha Polls: CPI fields its candidate from Wayanad, Congress-Left alliance in tatters in Kerala? × Chief of Karnataka unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) BY Vijayendra earlier said that BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) will contest the elections together. "All our leaders have assured our Home Minister (Amit Shah) that BJP and JDS will fight the elections unitedly in all 28 Lok Sabha constituencies and we will make 100 per cent efforts to win all 28 Lok Sabha seats," said Karnataka BJP chief earlier this month. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up for the Lok Sabha election and has held core group meeting of in-charges of five states at party HQ in New Delhi. The meeting was led by BJP National President JP Nadda, India's Home Minister Amit Shah and party's general secretary BL Santosh. Also Read | Widening fissures in INDIA bloc? CPI names its candidate on Rahul Gandhi's Wayanad seat As reported by ANI, this meeting was held in phases and included discussions about Lok Sabha election preparations in other states like Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan. Also Read | India's exports defy global headwinds: Reaching new shores in Africa, Latin America, & Central Asia The meeting of BJP's central election committee will possibly be held at the end of February or in the first week of March. It is likely that during this meet, discussions on over 100 Lok Sabha seats would take place. PM Narendra Modi-led BJP is aiming to win a third term at the centre. (With inputs from agencies)

India: S Jaishankar, Nirmala Sitharaman may contest Lok Saba election from Karnataka, says minister

Ahead of the big general elections that are slated to take place in the next 2 months there are hectic negotiations which are presently underway on the political front. There's been some progress on the seat sharing discussions amongst the opposition parties. The Indian National Congress which is the main opposition party has now managed to clinch a seat sharing deal with the Aam Aadmi Party, both the parties have announced the seat sharing pact in the state of Haryana, Gujarat and Goa and also in the union territories of New Delhi and Chandigarh. Watch to know more!

India General Elections 2024: Opposition I.N.D.I.A bloc announces seat deal in Delhi, Gujarat

After weeks of negotiations and hard bargaining, the opposition India national development inclusive alliance, sealed a few seat-sharing pacts with its coalition partners. Three alliance partners, the Samajwadi party, Aam admi party and The Indian national congress have reached a consensus on the seat sharing. Watch to know more!

India bloc finalised seat sharing pact in Uttar Pradesh | General Elections 2024

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch more than 14,000 projects in the northern Uttar Pradesh state worth ₹10 trillion ahead of the country's General Election later in the summer. The state of&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh sends&nbsp;80 of the 543 Lok Sabha parliamentarians to New Delhi and the Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party has managed to win 71 and 62 seats in the state in the 2014 and 2019 general elections, respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The projects to be launched are related to sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, IT, food processing, housing and real estate, hospitality and entertainment, and education among others.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-says-world-is-assured-he-is-returning-for-third-term-in-power-top-points-691450">PM Modi says world is assured he is returning for third term in power: Top points</a></strong></p>

<p>The Indian prime minister will also visit Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district, about 162 km east of New Delhi, where he will lay the foundation stone of Shri Kalki Dham Temple.</p>

<p>The event is set to have a remarkable blend of faith and politics as the temple is being constructed by a temple trust whose chairperson is a just-expelled Opposition politician: Acharya Pramod Krishnam of the Indian National Congress.</p>

<p>The projects to be launched also&nbsp;include about 300 proposals of the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the export promotion department worth about&nbsp;₹45,000 Crore.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India's PM Modi launches BJP's election campaign in UP's Bulandshahr | WION News</strong></p>

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<p>Besides, about 750 projects of the housing department involving an investment of about ₹57,000 Crore are also going for implementation at the groundbreaking ceremony.</p>

<p>Nearly 40 projects of the excise department involving investment worth about ₹7500 Crore are to be implemented at the groundbreaking ceremony.</p>

<h2><strong>Ashok Leyland's manufacturing unit to be set up; focus on temple towns of Ayodhya, Mathura</strong></h2>

<p>In Uttar Pradesh's capital Lucknow, an electric vehicle manufacturing unit by Chennai-headquartered Ashok Leyland will be set up on the land of Scooters India Limited (SIL).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also launch projects worth ₹10,155.79 crores for the temple town of Ayodhya, while projects worth ₹13486.63 crores will be launched for Mathura.</p>

<p>For his own Lok Sabha constituency of Varanasi, Prime Minister Modi will launch projects worth&nbsp;₹15,313.81 crore.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch more than 14,000 projects in the northern Uttar Pradesh state worth ₹10 trillion ahead of the country's General Election later in the summer.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch more than 14,000 projects in the northern Uttar Pradesh state worth ₹10 trillion ahead of the country's General Election later in the summer. The state of Uttar Pradesh sends 80 of the 543 Lok Sabha parliamentarians to New Delhi and the Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party has managed to win 71 and 62 seats in the state in the 2014 and 2019 general elections, respectively. The projects to be launched are related to sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, IT, food processing, housing and real estate, hospitality and entertainment, and education among others. Also read | PM Modi says world is assured he is returning for third term in power: Top points The Indian prime minister will also visit Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district, about 162 km east of New Delhi, where he will lay the foundation stone of Shri Kalki Dham Temple. The event is set to have a remarkable blend of faith and politics as the temple is being constructed by a temple trust whose chairperson is a just-expelled Opposition politician: Acharya Pramod Krishnam of the Indian National Congress. The projects to be launched also include about 300 proposals of the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the export promotion department worth about ₹45,000 Crore. Also watch | India's PM Modi launches BJP's election campaign in UP's Bulandshahr | WION News × Besides, about 750 projects of the housing department involving an investment of about ₹57,000 Crore are also going for implementation at the groundbreaking ceremony. Nearly 40 projects of the excise department involving investment worth about ₹7500 Crore are to be implemented at the groundbreaking ceremony. Ashok Leyland's manufacturing unit to be set up; focus on temple towns of Ayodhya, Mathura In Uttar Pradesh's capital Lucknow, an electric vehicle manufacturing unit by Chennai-headquartered Ashok Leyland will be set up on the land of Scooters India Limited (SIL). Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also launch projects worth ₹10,155.79 crores for the temple town of Ayodhya, while projects worth ₹13486.63 crores will be launched for Mathura. For his own Lok Sabha constituency of Varanasi, Prime Minister Modi will launch projects worth ₹15,313.81 crore. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian PM Modi to launch projects worth 10 trillion rupees in Uttar Pradesh state

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his closing address at the Bharatiya Janata Party's National Convention on Sunday (Feb 18) called upon his fellow party members to distinguish <em>rajneeti&nbsp;</em>[politics] from <em>rashtra neeti</em> [nation building].&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Hum rajneeti ke liye nahin, rashtra neeti ke liye nikle hain". (We are in power for nation building, not politics)," Modi said in New Delhi in his address to his BJP office bearers.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>World is assured that I am returning for third term: PM Modi</strong></h2>

<p>Pointing towards the global optimism over his return to power after elections this summer, Modi said that he has already received invites to visit foreign nations in July, August and September.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">At BJP's national convention meet in Delhi, Indian PM Modi recalls his UAE, Qatar visit; Points to turn around in ties with West Asian Countries which are "at thr best" as "we write new chapters in ties" <a href="https://t.co/kqlDm0VvMT">pic.twitter.com/kqlDm0VvMT</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1759163539808190747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Gave India scam-free governance: PM Modi</strong></h2>

<p>Prime Minister Modi, who is seeking a third consecutive term in power in the country's national elections later this year, said that in his decade in power since 2014, India got scam-free governance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Everyone now knows that we freed the country from the scourge of mega scams and terror attacks. We worked sincerely to improve the lives of the poor and the middle class. People keep telling me 'You have achieved so much and fulfilled all major promises. Why are you still working hard?'," Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ram Temple's opening ended wait spanning centuries: PM Modi</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking about the opening of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Modi said that his government in New Delhi has "demonstrated the courage of conviction and grit to accomplish tasks that had been pending for decades. The construction and opening of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya brought an end to a wait spanning centuries."</p>

<h2><strong>Got back Guru Granth Sahib from Afghanistan: PM Modi</strong></h2>

<p>Pointing to the tumultuous weeks after the Taliban stormed to power in Afghanistan after a hasty American exit, PM Modi said that his government got back the holy Shri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh faith's most sacred text, from Afghanistan at the peak of the crisis.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India: 'Our resolve is a developed India,' says PM Modi at BJP National Council meeting in New Delhi</strong></p>

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<p>Modi also reflected on the improved quota for Indian Muslim pilgrims who visit Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Got back Guru Granth Sahib back from Afghanistan with all respect, improved Haj visit, especially for women, says PM Modi at BJP's National convention meet in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/JIBMf7FeI0">pic.twitter.com/JIBMf7FeI0</a></p>
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<p>Modi also took a dig at the Opposition and claimed that no one can beat them in making false promises. The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has been&nbsp;in power since 2014 and is seeking a third term in power with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as its leadership face.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his closing address at the Bharatiya Janata Party's National Convention on Sunday (Feb 18) called upon his fellow party members to distinguish rajneeti [politics] from rashtra neeti [nation building].

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his closing address at the Bharatiya Janata Party's National Convention on Sunday (Feb 18) called upon his fellow party members to distinguish rajneeti [politics] from rashtra neeti [nation building]. "Hum rajneeti ke liye nahin, rashtra neeti ke liye nikle hain". (We are in power for nation building, not politics)," Modi said in New Delhi in his address to his BJP office bearers. World is assured that I am returning for third term: PM Modi Pointing towards the global optimism over his return to power after elections this summer, Modi said that he has already received invites to visit foreign nations in July, August and September. At BJP's national convention meet in Delhi, Indian PM Modi recalls his UAE, Qatar visit; Points to turn around in ties with West Asian Countries which are "at thr best" as "we write new chapters in ties" pic.twitter.com/kqlDm0VvMT — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 18, 2024 × Gave India scam-free governance: PM Modi Prime Minister Modi, who is seeking a third consecutive term in power in the country's national elections later this year, said that in his decade in power since 2014, India got scam-free governance. "Everyone now knows that we freed the country from the scourge of mega scams and terror attacks. We worked sincerely to improve the lives of the poor and the middle class. People keep telling me 'You have achieved so much and fulfilled all major promises. Why are you still working hard?'," Modi said. Ram Temple's opening ended wait spanning centuries: PM Modi Speaking about the opening of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Modi said that his government in New Delhi has "demonstrated the courage of conviction and grit to accomplish tasks that had been pending for decades. The construction and opening of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya brought an end to a wait spanning centuries." Got back Guru Granth Sahib from Afghanistan: PM Modi Pointing to the tumultuous weeks after the Taliban stormed to power in Afghanistan after a hasty American exit, PM Modi said that his government got back the holy Shri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh faith's most sacred text, from Afghanistan at the peak of the crisis. Also watch | India: 'Our resolve is a developed India,' says PM Modi at BJP National Council meeting in New Delhi × Modi also reflected on the improved quota for Indian Muslim pilgrims who visit Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Got back Guru Granth Sahib back from Afghanistan with all respect, improved Haj visit, especially for women, says PM Modi at BJP's National convention meet in Delhi pic.twitter.com/JIBMf7FeI0 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 18, 2024 × Modi also took a dig at the Opposition and claimed that no one can beat them in making false promises. The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has been in power since 2014 and is seeking a third term in power with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as its leadership face. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi says world is assured he is returning for third term in power: Top points of his speech

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his third address to the parliament in less than a week, dubbed his second term in power as 'gamechanger' for the world's fifth largest economy which was world's 11th biggest when he was first elected to power in 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Lok Sabha, Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi said, "These five years were about reform, perform and transform in the country. It is very rare that both reform and perform take place and we can see transformation right in front of our eyes...The country is experiencing this through the 17th Lok Sabha and I firmly believe that the country will continue to bless the 17th Lok Sabha."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-pray-that-you-keep-40-seats-with-you-pm-modis-jibe-at-congress-687851">I pray that you keep 40 seats with you: Indian PM Modi’s jibe at Congress</a></strong></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the past five years of BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government were about "reform, perform and transform" in the country. Modi, who represents the holy town of Varanasi in the Lok Sabha, said that&nbsp;it is rare that transformation due to these measures could also be experienced in the same period.</p>

<p>Addressing the 17 Lok Sabha on the last day of its last session, PM Modi also lauded the role of Speaker Om Birla in running the House&nbsp;since he&nbsp;succeeded Sumitra Mahajan in 2019 as the chairperson of the lower house of Indian parliament.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;PM Modi's Parliament speech: 'India will become third largest economy, this is Modi's guarantee'</strong></p>

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<p>"In five years of the 17th Lok Sabha, several important decisions have been taken and facing several challenges everyone according to their capability tried to give right direction to the country," Modi said.</p>

<p>"In a way, it is a day to rededicate ourselves to the country after five years of ideological journey and time devoted to the service of the country," he added.</p>

<p>The Indian Prime Minister said that 17th Lok Sabha had 97 per cent productivity.</p>

<p>The budget session of Indian Parliament began on January 31 and was extended by a day till February 10.</p>

<p>This is also the last session of Indian parliament before the general elections in the spring later this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his third address to the parliament in less than a week, dubbed his second term in power as 'gamechanger' for the world's fifth largest economy which was world's 11th biggest when he was first elected to power in 2014.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his third address to the parliament in less than a week, dubbed his second term in power as 'gamechanger' for the world's fifth largest economy which was world's 11th biggest when he was first elected to power in 2014. In Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "These five years were about reform, perform and transform in the country. It is very rare that both reform and perform take place and we can see transformation right in front of our eyes...The country is experiencing this through the 17th Lok Sabha and I firmly believe that the country will continue to bless the 17th Lok Sabha." Also read | I pray that you keep 40 seats with you: Indian PM Modi’s jibe at Congress Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the past five years of BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government were about "reform, perform and transform" in the country. Modi, who represents the holy town of Varanasi in the Lok Sabha, said that it is rare that transformation due to these measures could also be experienced in the same period. Addressing the 17 Lok Sabha on the last day of its last session, PM Modi also lauded the role of Speaker Om Birla in running the House since he succeeded Sumitra Mahajan in 2019 as the chairperson of the lower house of Indian parliament. Also watch | PM Modi's Parliament speech: 'India will become third largest economy, this is Modi's guarantee' × "In five years of the 17th Lok Sabha, several important decisions have been taken and facing several challenges everyone according to their capability tried to give right direction to the country," Modi said. "In a way, it is a day to rededicate ourselves to the country after five years of ideological journey and time devoted to the service of the country," he added. The Indian Prime Minister said that 17th Lok Sabha had 97 per cent productivity. The budget session of Indian Parliament began on January 31 and was extended by a day till February 10. This is also the last session of Indian parliament before the general elections in the spring later this year. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi dubs his second term in power as ‘gamechanger’ for the country, economy

<p>BJP MP Satyapal Singh on Saturday (Feb 10) while speaking in Parliament called the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya a "historic".</p>

<p>Stating that Lord Ram is everywhere, Singh said that the construction&nbsp;of Ram Temple was not a "communal" issue.</p>

<p>"I am fortunate to get the opportunity to speak about the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram's idol&nbsp;on January 22. It is historic to see the Pran Pratishtha and offer prayers to Lord Ram at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya," he said while initiating the discussion on the consecration ceremony during the last session of the ongoing Budget session of Parliament ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<h2><strong>Lord Ram is a source of inspiration, not a communal issue, says Singh</strong></h2>

<p>The BJP MP further said that Lord Ram was a source of inspiration for people and not a communal issue.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/white-paper-is-serious-document-says-nirmala-sitharaman-as-she-slams-opposition-in-lok-sabha-688798">'White Paper is serious document', says Nirmala Sitharaman as she slams opposition in Lok Sabha</a></p>

<p>"Ram is not a communal issue; Bhagwan Ram is a source of inspiration for us," he said, adding that "Ram was Maryada Purushottam (the man who is supreme in honour)."</p>

<p>"A discussion on Ram is also a blessing for all of us; Ram is a feeling for us..it is our legacy and heritage," the BJP MP said.</p>

<p>He then said "Ram is everywhere..."</p>

<p>Singh further&nbsp;slammed the previous Congress-led UPA government for filing an affidavit in the Supreme Court in 2007 at the time the Ram Setu project was taken up.</p>

<p>"In 2007, when the Ram Setu project was taken up, the UPA government filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that there is no such person as Ram; it&nbsp;is a myth," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>Jan 22 will be remembered as historic day:&nbsp;Amit Shah</strong></h2>

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah while addressing Lok Sabha on the Ram Temple resolution said that January 22 would be remembered as a historic day for decades to come as it was when the "aspirations of Ram devotees were fulfilled."</p>

<p>"January 22 will be a historic day for the years to come...It was the day that fulfilled the hopes and aspirations of all Ram devotees," Shah said.&nbsp;It "was the beginning of great India...Those who imagine a country without Lord Ram do not know our country well and they represent the days of colonialism".</p>

<p>"No one can read the history of this country by ignoring the Ram Mandir movement. Since 1528, every generation has seen this movement in some form or the other. This matter remained stuck for a long time. This dream had to be fulfilled during the time of the Modi government," he added.</p>

<p>Saturday (Feb 10) will be the last session of the ongoing budget session of Parliament and also of the current Lok Sabha ahead of the general elections that are likely&nbsp;to take place in April-May 2024.</p>

<p>Earlier, the budget session was scheduled to conclude on Feb 9 but was extended by a day.</p>

<p>Rajya Sabha will also hold a short-duration discussion on the Ram Temple consecration ceremony held in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on Jan 22 and on the White Paper that was put out by the Modi government in the Parliament on Thursday (Feb 8).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


BJP MP Satyapal Singh on Saturday (Feb 10) while speaking in Parliament called the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya a "historic". Stating that Lord Ram is everywhere, Singh said that the construction of Ram Temple was not a "communal" issue.

BJP MP Satyapal Singh on Saturday (Feb 10) while speaking in Parliament called the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya a "historic". Stating that Lord Ram is everywhere, Singh said that the construction of Ram Temple was not a "communal" issue. "I am fortunate to get the opportunity to speak about the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram's idol on January 22. It is historic to see the Pran Pratishtha and offer prayers to Lord Ram at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya," he said while initiating the discussion on the consecration ceremony during the last session of the ongoing Budget session of Parliament ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Lord Ram is a source of inspiration, not a communal issue, says Singh The BJP MP further said that Lord Ram was a source of inspiration for people and not a communal issue. Also read: 'White Paper is serious document', says Nirmala Sitharaman as she slams opposition in Lok Sabha "Ram is not a communal issue; Bhagwan Ram is a source of inspiration for us," he said, adding that "Ram was Maryada Purushottam (the man who is supreme in honour)." "A discussion on Ram is also a blessing for all of us; Ram is a feeling for us..it is our legacy and heritage," the BJP MP said. He then said "Ram is everywhere..." Singh further slammed the previous Congress-led UPA government for filing an affidavit in the Supreme Court in 2007 at the time the Ram Setu project was taken up. "In 2007, when the Ram Setu project was taken up, the UPA government filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that there is no such person as Ram; it is a myth," he said. Jan 22 will be remembered as historic day: Amit Shah Union Home Minister Amit Shah while addressing Lok Sabha on the Ram Temple resolution said that January 22 would be remembered as a historic day for decades to come as it was when the "aspirations of Ram devotees were fulfilled." "January 22 will be a historic day for the years to come...It was the day that fulfilled the hopes and aspirations of all Ram devotees," Shah said. It "was the beginning of great India...Those who imagine a country without Lord Ram do not know our country well and they represent the days of colonialism". "No one can read the history of this country by ignoring the Ram Mandir movement. Since 1528, every generation has seen this movement in some form or the other. This matter remained stuck for a long time. This dream had to be fulfilled during the time of the Modi government," he added. Saturday (Feb 10) will be the last session of the ongoing budget session of Parliament and also of the current Lok Sabha ahead of the general elections that are likely to take place in April-May 2024. Earlier, the budget session was scheduled to conclude on Feb 9 but was extended by a day. Rajya Sabha will also hold a short-duration discussion on the Ram Temple consecration ceremony held in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on Jan 22 and on the White Paper that was put out by the Modi government in the Parliament on Thursday (Feb 8). (With inputs from agencies)

India: Lok Sabha discusses Ram Temple, BJP MP says ‘Ram is everywhere’

<p>India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took a jibe at Congress MP Sonia Gandhi while responding to the debate on the White Paper in Lok Sabha stating that Gandhi, who is the chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), acted like a 'super' Prime Minister and said that 'Ghotala driven' government mismanaged the economy the government. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"The centre point of the 'Ghotala-driven' government and mismanagement of the economy lies in the issue of leadership. Sonia Gandhi ji was the 'super' Prime Minister as the chairperson of the advisory council and an extra-constitutional and unaccountable person," Sitharaman said.</p>

<p>"It was an unaccountable and unanswerable power. Due to this, scams took pace. It was an unconstitutional use of power," she added.</p>

<p>She then referred to the incident when&nbsp;Congress MP Rahul Gandhi tore up the ordinance that was put forward by the Manmohan Singh government in the year 2013 questioning the&nbsp;decency in the matter.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/white-paper-is-serious-document-says-nirmala-sitharaman-as-she-slams-opposition-in-lok-sabha-688798">'White Paper is serious document', says Nirmala Sitharaman as she slams opposition in Lok Sabha</a></p>

<p>"When Manmohan Singhji, the then-Prime Minister, was on a foreign trip, a man who might have been the Congress' general secretary or president at the time tore an ordinance. Was this decency? Wasn't this an insult to the Constitution?"</p>

<p>"He was an arrogant man who did not care for his own prime minister," she added.</p>

<p>Highlighting the scams under the UPA government's tenure, the Indian finance minister stressed Congress' "glaring mismanagement of defence" sector stating that its highlight was the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland scam.</p>

<p>"Critical shortage of ammunition and defence equipment was the main feature of 2014 when we inherited the economy. Bulletproof jackets were not available for our soldiers. Night vision goggles were not available," Sitharaman said.</p>

<p>She then highlighted that the 'Jayanti Tax' during the reign of UPA, pushed the environment clearances for projects for up to a year stating that the efforts of the Modi government during its 10-year tenure put the economy back on rails.</p>

<p>The average time to clear projects increased to 316 days from 86 days between 2011 and 2014.</p>

<p>"We corrected all misgovernance, and focussed on reforms," Sitharaman said, adding the average environment clearance time for projects has come down to 70 days.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened at the 2013 presser?</strong></h2>

<p>The UPA government, which was led by Congress had put forward the Ordinance in order to get around a Supreme Court judgement barring the elected representatives from becoming the members of legislative bodies upon being convicted in criminal cases.</p>

<p>However, they were propelled to push back the Ordinance after Rahul Gandhi publicly opposed it by shredding the piece of paper, claiming that it deserved to be dumped in&nbsp;the bin.</p>

<p>At the time of a hearing in the Lily Thomas vs Union of India case, the Supreme Court ruled that "any MP, MLA or MLC who is convicted of a crime and given a minimum of 2 years' jail loses membership of the House with immediate effect".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took a jibe at Congress MP Sonia Gandhi while responding to the debate on the White Paper in Lok Sabha stating that Gandhi, who is the chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), acted like a 'super' Prime Minister and said that 'Ghotala driven' government mismanaged the economy the government.

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took a jibe at Congress MP Sonia Gandhi while responding to the debate on the White Paper in Lok Sabha stating that Gandhi, who is the chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), acted like a 'super' Prime Minister and said that 'Ghotala driven' government mismanaged the economy the government. "The centre point of the 'Ghotala-driven' government and mismanagement of the economy lies in the issue of leadership. Sonia Gandhi ji was the 'super' Prime Minister as the chairperson of the advisory council and an extra-constitutional and unaccountable person," Sitharaman said. "It was an unaccountable and unanswerable power. Due to this, scams took pace. It was an unconstitutional use of power," she added. She then referred to the incident when Congress MP Rahul Gandhi tore up the ordinance that was put forward by the Manmohan Singh government in the year 2013 questioning the decency in the matter. Also read: 'White Paper is serious document', says Nirmala Sitharaman as she slams opposition in Lok Sabha "When Manmohan Singhji, the then-Prime Minister, was on a foreign trip, a man who might have been the Congress' general secretary or president at the time tore an ordinance. Was this decency? Wasn't this an insult to the Constitution?" "He was an arrogant man who did not care for his own prime minister," she added. Highlighting the scams under the UPA government's tenure, the Indian finance minister stressed Congress' "glaring mismanagement of defence" sector stating that its highlight was the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland scam. "Critical shortage of ammunition and defence equipment was the main feature of 2014 when we inherited the economy. Bulletproof jackets were not available for our soldiers. Night vision goggles were not available," Sitharaman said. She then highlighted that the 'Jayanti Tax' during the reign of UPA, pushed the environment clearances for projects for up to a year stating that the efforts of the Modi government during its 10-year tenure put the economy back on rails. The average time to clear projects increased to 316 days from 86 days between 2011 and 2014. "We corrected all misgovernance, and focussed on reforms," Sitharaman said, adding the average environment clearance time for projects has come down to 70 days. What happened at the 2013 presser? The UPA government, which was led by Congress had put forward the Ordinance in order to get around a Supreme Court judgement barring the elected representatives from becoming the members of legislative bodies upon being convicted in criminal cases. However, they were propelled to push back the Ordinance after Rahul Gandhi publicly opposed it by shredding the piece of paper, claiming that it deserved to be dumped in the bin. At the time of a hearing in the Lily Thomas vs Union of India case, the Supreme Court ruled that "any MP, MLA or MLC who is convicted of a crime and given a minimum of 2 years' jail loses membership of the House with immediate effect". (With inputs from agencies)

‘Sonia Gandhi acted like super PM’: Nirmala Sitharaman launches scathing attack on opposition

<p>Rahul Gandhi, the leader of India’s biggest opposition Congress party, on Monday (Feb 5) promised a nationwide caste census and removal of 50 per cent cap on reservations if the INDIA bloc comes to power in the upcoming general elections. India’s major opposition parties have formed the bloc in an attempt to challenge incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is seeking a third time in office.</p>

<h2><strong>Gandhi’s big promise</strong></h2>

<p>Gandhi made the promise while addressing a rally in Jharkhand's Ranchi. He said Dalits, tribals, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) were made “bonded labourers” and they were not fairly represented in major corporations, big companies, schools and hospitals.</p>

<p>"This is the biggest question before India. Our first step would be to get a caste census in the country,” Gandhi said. He added that the current regime doesn’t allow the total reservation to go beyond the 50 per cent mark, before going on to make the radical promise to remove the cap altogether.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India: 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' led by Congress' Rahul Gandhi to begin from Manipur</strong></p>

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<p>“If INDIA bloc comes to power, it will throw away the 50 per cent cap on reservation, ensure Dalits, tribals, OBCs get their rights,” the ex-Congress chief said.</p>

<p>He added: "There will be no reduction in reservation of Dalits and Adivasis. I am giving you a guarantee that the backward sections of society will get their rights. This is the biggest issue - social and economic injustice"</p>

<h2><strong>Gandhi takes on PM Modi</strong></h2>

<p>Rahul Gandhi also accused the Indian PM of opposing the idea of a caste census. He added that Modi used to say he was an OBC leader but now says there are only two castes- the rich and the poor.</p>

<p>"When the time came to give rights to OBCs, Dalits, tribals, Modi ji says there are no castes and when it is time to get votes, he says he is an OBC," Gandhi claimed.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw0H742oWhctIUJnXpHuo8VI" data-ved="2ahUKEwjx2MXY55SEAxUm3TgGHWVEADEQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-mandir-inauguration-modis-function-congress-leader-rahul-gandhi-takes-a-dig-at-indian-pm-680512" jsname="YKoRaf">Ram Mandir inauguration ‘Modi’s function’: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi takes a dig at Indian PM</a></strong></p>

<p>He also blamed PM Modi for “killing” the Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and handing them over to big industrialists.</p>

<p>“Narendra Modi and his government are slowly killing the PSUs…The central government wants the HEC (Heavy Engineering Corporation) to not function, and in the coming days, they will replace the name HEC with an Adani nameplate. They want to privatise it,” Gandhi said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Rahul Gandhi, the leader of India’s biggest opposition Congress party, on Monday (Feb 5) promised a nationwide caste census and removal of 50 per cent cap on reservations if the INDIA bloc comes to power in the upcoming general elections.

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of India’s biggest opposition Congress party, on Monday (Feb 5) promised a nationwide caste census and removal of 50 per cent cap on reservations if the INDIA bloc comes to power in the upcoming general elections. India’s major opposition parties have formed the bloc in an attempt to challenge incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is seeking a third time in office. Gandhi’s big promise Gandhi made the promise while addressing a rally in Jharkhand's Ranchi. He said Dalits, tribals, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) were made “bonded labourers” and they were not fairly represented in major corporations, big companies, schools and hospitals. "This is the biggest question before India. Our first step would be to get a caste census in the country,” Gandhi said. He added that the current regime doesn’t allow the total reservation to go beyond the 50 per cent mark, before going on to make the radical promise to remove the cap altogether. Watch: India: 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' led by Congress' Rahul Gandhi to begin from Manipur × “If INDIA bloc comes to power, it will throw away the 50 per cent cap on reservation, ensure Dalits, tribals, OBCs get their rights,” the ex-Congress chief said. He added: "There will be no reduction in reservation of Dalits and Adivasis. I am giving you a guarantee that the backward sections of society will get their rights. This is the biggest issue - social and economic injustice" Gandhi takes on PM Modi Rahul Gandhi also accused the Indian PM of opposing the idea of a caste census. He added that Modi used to say he was an OBC leader but now says there are only two castes- the rich and the poor. "When the time came to give rights to OBCs, Dalits, tribals, Modi ji says there are no castes and when it is time to get votes, he says he is an OBC," Gandhi claimed. Also read: Ram Mandir inauguration ‘Modi’s function’: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi takes a dig at Indian PM He also blamed PM Modi for “killing” the Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and handing them over to big industrialists. “Narendra Modi and his government are slowly killing the PSUs…The central government wants the HEC (Heavy Engineering Corporation) to not function, and in the coming days, they will replace the name HEC with an Adani nameplate. They want to privatise it,” Gandhi said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Congress’ Rahul Gandhi promises to remove 50% reservation cap if INDIA bloc wins polls

<p>Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday (Feb 5) issued an advisory ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, asking the political parties not to use children in campaigning "in any form whatsoever", including for distribution of posters and pamphlets or sloganeering. The election commission said in the advisory that it will resort to a "zero tolerance" policy when it comes to the use of children during the electoral process by parties and candidates in any manner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the statement, the poll panel noted that the political leaders and candidates should not use children for campaign activities in any manner, including holding a child in their arms, carrying a child in a vehicle or at rallies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-public-examinations-prevention-of-unfair-means-bill-2024-introduced-in-lower-house-of-parliament-687088">India: Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 introduced in lower house of Parliament</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The statement read, "Political Parties have been advised not to use children in election campaigns in any form whatsoever including distribution of posters/pamphlets or to participate in slogan shouting, campaign rallies, election meetings, etc. The Commission has conveyed ‘Zero Tolerance’ towards the use of children in any manner during the electoral process by parties and candidates."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The poll panel added that this prohibition extends to the use of children to create the semblance of a political campaign in any manner including use through poems, songs, spoken words, display of insignia of a political party or candidate, exhibiting ideology of a political party, promoting achievements of a political party or criticising the opponent political parties or candidates.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-floor-test-today-champai-govt-confident-of-win-ex-cm-soren-to-cast-vote-687009">India: Jharkhand CM Champai Soren wins crucial floor test with 47 MLAs</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;WION's exclusive interview with Dr&nbsp;V Anantha Nageswaran&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The election commission, however, further mentioned that just the presence of a "child accompanied by their parent or guardian in the proximity of a political leader and who is not involved in any election campaigning activity by the political party, will not be construed as a violation of the guidelines".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The panel said that all political parties and candidates are required to ensure strict compliance with India's Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, as amended by the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Commission has unequivocally directed all election officials and machinery to refrain from involving children in any capacity during election-related work or activities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday (Feb 5) issued an advisory ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, asking the political parties not to use children in campaigning "in any form whatsoever", including for distribution of posters and pamphlets or sloganeering.

Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday (Feb 5) issued an advisory ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, asking the political parties not to use children in campaigning "in any form whatsoever", including for distribution of posters and pamphlets or sloganeering. The election commission said in the advisory that it will resort to a "zero tolerance" policy when it comes to the use of children during the electoral process by parties and candidates in any manner. In the statement, the poll panel noted that the political leaders and candidates should not use children for campaign activities in any manner, including holding a child in their arms, carrying a child in a vehicle or at rallies. Also read: India: Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 introduced in lower house of Parliament The statement read, "Political Parties have been advised not to use children in election campaigns in any form whatsoever including distribution of posters/pamphlets or to participate in slogan shouting, campaign rallies, election meetings, etc. The Commission has conveyed ‘Zero Tolerance’ towards the use of children in any manner during the electoral process by parties and candidates." The poll panel added that this prohibition extends to the use of children to create the semblance of a political campaign in any manner including use through poems, songs, spoken words, display of insignia of a political party or candidate, exhibiting ideology of a political party, promoting achievements of a political party or criticising the opponent political parties or candidates. Also read: India: Jharkhand CM Champai Soren wins crucial floor test with 47 MLAs Watch: WION's exclusive interview with Dr V Anantha Nageswaran × The election commission, however, further mentioned that just the presence of a "child accompanied by their parent or guardian in the proximity of a political leader and who is not involved in any election campaigning activity by the political party, will not be construed as a violation of the guidelines". The panel said that all political parties and candidates are required to ensure strict compliance with India's Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, as amended by the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016. The Commission has unequivocally directed all election officials and machinery to refrain from involving children in any capacity during election-related work or activities. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s election commission issues strict advisory against use of children in any election-related activities

<p lang="en-US">Months ahead of the general elections in India, political turmoil intensified in the Indian state of Bihar on Saturday (Jan 27) amid media reports suggesting that state chief minister Nitish Kumar is about to leave the JD(U)-RJD-Congress Grand Alliance and will again join the BJP-led NDA alliance.<br />
<br />
As per a few media reports, the JD(U) chief, who has many times oscillated between political parties RJD and BJP, can also form a new government with BJP on Sunday (Jan 28) and take oath for his 9th term as the chief minister.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>RJD's Tejashwi Yadav says 'game yet to begin'</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Meanwhile, JD(U)'s ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav told the party leaders in a meeting that Nitish Kumar is "respectable" but there were a lot of factors which were not under his "control."<br />
<br />
As per media reports, Yadav said, "CM Nitish Kumar was and is respectable. Many things are not under his (Nitish Kumar) control. RJD's allies in the 'Mahagathbandhan' always respected the Chief Minister....”</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-set-to-lose-nitish-kumar-bihar-cm-likely-to-switch-side-to-bjp-very-soon-684199">'INDIA' set to lose Nitish Kumar? Bihar CM to join hands with BJP very soon, say reports</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">As per media reports, Tejashwi Yadav also hinted at other unexpected developments in the state.<br />
<br />
"The Chief Minister used to sit with me on the stage and ask, "What was there in Bihar before 2005?" I never reacted... Now, more people are with us. Whatever remained undone in two decades, we managed to get it done within a short time- be it jobs, caste census, increasing reservation, etc. 'Bihar mein abhi khel hona baki hai' (The game is yet to begin in Bihar),” said Yadav, as per media reports.<br />
<br />
In the 'Mahagathbandhan', which includes the opposition Congress and three Left parties, the RJD is the largest alliance partner and if Kumar's JD(U) pulls out, the alliance will fall short of eight members for a majority in the assembly.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Congress tries to avert crisis</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Congress president M Mallikarjun Kharge said that all efforts are being made by his party to keep the INDIA bloc united. However, he added that he has no knowledge of what is in the mind of JD(U) leadership.<br />
<br />
"I don't have information on Janata Dal (United) leaving the alliance. I have written a letter to them. Tried to speak to them. But don't know what's on Nitish Kumar's mind," said Kharge, while speaking to the reporters.<br />
<br />
"Tomorrow I'll go to Delhi and take full information. Let's see what will happen. We don't have information that Nitish will resign. He hasn't told us about meeting Governor. I don't have information so can't tell you authentic. Let's see what happens," he said.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Watch:&nbsp;The saga of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's many U-turns</strong></p>

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<p lang="en-US">The Congress president said, "We are trying our best to make everyone unite together. I've spoken to Mamata (Banerjee) and Nitish and (Sitaram) Yechury to be united. Told them we need to be united only then we can give a good fight. India alliance will work well and democracy should be saved, whoever wants this won't take a hasty decision is what I feel.”</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>JD(U) leader KC Tyagi says Nitish '</strong>misunderstood<strong>'</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Meanwhile, senior JD(U) leader KC Tyagi said that the INDIA bloc has been facing issues in different states because of Congress and added that the Mahagathbandhan is all set to collapse.<br />
<br />
"The INDIA bloc is on the verge of collapse. The alliance of INDIA bloc parties is almost over in Punjab, West Bengal and Bihar," said Tyagi, as quoted by ANI.<br />
<br />
"The goal and intentions with which Kumar, the JD(U) president, succeeded in bringing non-Congress parties with the Congress have come unstuck," he added, asserting that the leader was "misunderstood".<br />
<br />
"Kumar never hankered after a position in the alliance but a section of the Congress leadership repeatedly insulted him," Tyagi said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Months ahead of the general elections in India, political turmoil intensified in the Indian state of Bihar on Saturday (Jan 27) amid media reports suggesting that state chief minister Nitish Kumar is about to leave the JD(U)-RJD-Congress Grand Alliance and will again join the BJP-led NDA alliance.

Months ahead of the general elections in India, political turmoil intensified in the Indian state of Bihar on Saturday (Jan 27) amid media reports suggesting that state chief minister Nitish Kumar is about to leave the JD(U)-RJD-Congress Grand Alliance and will again join the BJP-led NDA alliance. As per a few media reports, the JD(U) chief, who has many times oscillated between political parties RJD and BJP, can also form a new government with BJP on Sunday (Jan 28) and take oath for his 9th term as the chief minister. RJD's Tejashwi Yadav says 'game yet to begin' Meanwhile, JD(U)'s ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav told the party leaders in a meeting that Nitish Kumar is "respectable" but there were a lot of factors which were not under his "control." As per media reports, Yadav said, "CM Nitish Kumar was and is respectable. Many things are not under his (Nitish Kumar) control. RJD's allies in the 'Mahagathbandhan' always respected the Chief Minister....” Also read: 'INDIA' set to lose Nitish Kumar? Bihar CM to join hands with BJP very soon, say reports As per media reports, Tejashwi Yadav also hinted at other unexpected developments in the state. "The Chief Minister used to sit with me on the stage and ask, "What was there in Bihar before 2005?" I never reacted... Now, more people are with us. Whatever remained undone in two decades, we managed to get it done within a short time- be it jobs, caste census, increasing reservation, etc. 'Bihar mein abhi khel hona baki hai' (The game is yet to begin in Bihar),” said Yadav, as per media reports. In the 'Mahagathbandhan', which includes the opposition Congress and three Left parties, the RJD is the largest alliance partner and if Kumar's JD(U) pulls out, the alliance will fall short of eight members for a majority in the assembly. Congress tries to avert crisis Congress president M Mallikarjun Kharge said that all efforts are being made by his party to keep the INDIA bloc united. However, he added that he has no knowledge of what is in the mind of JD(U) leadership. "I don't have information on Janata Dal (United) leaving the alliance. I have written a letter to them. Tried to speak to them. But don't know what's on Nitish Kumar's mind," said Kharge, while speaking to the reporters. "Tomorrow I'll go to Delhi and take full information. Let's see what will happen. We don't have information that Nitish will resign. He hasn't told us about meeting Governor. I don't have information so can't tell you authentic. Let's see what happens," he said. Watch: The saga of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's many U-turns The Congress president said, "We are trying our best to make everyone unite together. I've spoken to Mamata (Banerjee) and Nitish and (Sitaram) Yechury to be united. Told them we need to be united only then we can give a good fight. India alliance will work well and democracy should be saved, whoever wants this won't take a hasty decision is what I feel.” JD(U) leader KC Tyagi says Nitish 'misunderstood' Meanwhile, senior JD(U) leader KC Tyagi said that the INDIA bloc has been facing issues in different states because of Congress and added that the Mahagathbandhan is all set to collapse. "The INDIA bloc is on the verge of collapse. The alliance of INDIA bloc parties is almost over in Punjab, West Bengal and Bihar," said Tyagi, as quoted by ANI. "The goal and intentions with which Kumar, the JD(U) president, succeeded in bringing non-Congress parties with the Congress have come unstuck," he added, asserting that the leader was "misunderstood". "Kumar never hankered after a position in the alliance but a section of the Congress leadership repeatedly insulted him," Tyagi said. (With inputs from agencies)

India Elections 2024: Nitish Kumar keeps Bihar politics on tenterhooks; RJD, Congress react to crisis

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (Dec 27) referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "friend" whom he wishes "every success" in reference to India's upcoming general elections in the summer of 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin said that the "traditional conventional friendly ties" will persist between India and Moscow "no matter what the alignment of political forces" is.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The outcome of upcoming Lok Sabha polls, in which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party will be seeking a third consecutive term in power, remains very important for India’s foreign policy posture.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Putin's comment that friendly ties will persist between India and Russia "no matter the alignment of political forces", reflects the depth of Moscow-Delhi ties. This geopolitical depth between the two countries, Putin indicated, remains immune to the developments elsewhere in the world, especially during ongoing war in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-invites-pm-modi-to-russia-during-his-meeting-with-eam-jaishankar-674148">Putin invites PM Modi to Russia during his meeting with EAM Jaishankar</a></strong></p>

<p>Putin's comment came hours after India's Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar during his visit to Moscow referred to India-Russia ties as the "only constant" in world politics.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Reading into Putin wishing well for Modi: What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>In the recent weeks, Putin has expressed notes of praise for Indian Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp; Modi.</p>

<p>"Let me say that the relations between Russia and India are consistently developing in all areas, and the main guarantor for that is the policy led by Prime Minister Modi," Putin had said on December 7 in St. Petersburg.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-putin-praises-india-says-pm-modi-guarantor-of-stronger-moscow-delhi-ties-667297">Putin praises India, says PM Modi 'guarantor' of stronger Moscow-Delhi ties</a></strong></p>

<p>"I cannot imagine His Excellency Modi getting intimidated or being forced to take any steps or actions that would go against the national interests of India and the people of India," Putin said, in an indirect reference to India buying Russian oil despite war in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Russian President Vladimir Putin praises India. Says, PM Modi despite pressure on him, took action which are in interest of India (buying Russian Oil).<br />
<br />
Vdo ctsy: Sputnik <a href="https://t.co/C6cQ1Eh28Z">pic.twitter.com/C6cQ1Eh28Z</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1732753535534821720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>New Delhi has staunchly defended its purchase of Russian oil when accused by the West of ‘funding the war in Ukraine’.</p>

<p>Just two months before launching an offensive on Ukraine in February 2022, Putin visited New Delhi in December 2021 for annual India-Russia summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/putins-actions-in-ukraine-do-not-make-indians-anti-russia-heres-why-613578">Putin’s actions in Ukraine do not make Indians anti-Russia. Here’s why</a></strong></p>

<p>Besides, if the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance returns to power with an&nbsp;as strong or stronger-than-before mandate, India's position of its evolving ties with various countries of the world is expected to remain consistent, if not sharper than now.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India-Russia ties: What is the bottom-line ahead of 2024 polls?</strong></h2>

<p>The consistency in ties with New Delhi, at a time when Russia is facing isolation from the collective West due to war in Ukraine, remains a geopolitical asset for Moscow's corridors of power. An asset Putin would least want to lose.&nbsp;</p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (Dec 27) referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "friend" whom he wishes "every success" in reference to India's upcoming general elections in the summer of 2024.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (Dec 27) referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "friend" whom he wishes "every success" in reference to India's upcoming general elections in the summer of 2024. Putin said that the "traditional conventional friendly ties" will persist between India and Moscow "no matter what the alignment of political forces" is. The outcome of upcoming Lok Sabha polls, in which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party will be seeking a third consecutive term in power, remains very important for India’s foreign policy posture. But Putin's comment that friendly ties will persist between India and Russia "no matter the alignment of political forces", reflects the depth of Moscow-Delhi ties. This geopolitical depth between the two countries, Putin indicated, remains immune to the developments elsewhere in the world, especially during ongoing war in Ukraine. Also read | Putin invites PM Modi to Russia during his meeting with EAM Jaishankar Putin's comment came hours after India's Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar during his visit to Moscow referred to India-Russia ties as the "only constant" in world politics. Reading into Putin wishing well for Modi: What does it mean? In the recent weeks, Putin has expressed notes of praise for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Let me say that the relations between Russia and India are consistently developing in all areas, and the main guarantor for that is the policy led by Prime Minister Modi," Putin had said on December 7 in St. Petersburg. Also read | Putin praises India, says PM Modi 'guarantor' of stronger Moscow-Delhi ties "I cannot imagine His Excellency Modi getting intimidated or being forced to take any steps or actions that would go against the national interests of India and the people of India," Putin said, in an indirect reference to India buying Russian oil despite war in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin praises India. Says, PM Modi despite pressure on him, took action which are in interest of India (buying Russian Oil). Vdo ctsy: Sputnik pic.twitter.com/C6cQ1Eh28Z — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 7, 2023 × New Delhi has staunchly defended its purchase of Russian oil when accused by the West of ‘funding the war in Ukraine’. Just two months before launching an offensive on Ukraine in February 2022, Putin visited New Delhi in December 2021 for annual India-Russia summit. Also read | Putin’s actions in Ukraine do not make Indians anti-Russia. Here’s why Besides, if the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance returns to power with an as strong or stronger-than-before mandate, India's position of its evolving ties with various countries of the world is expected to remain consistent, if not sharper than now. India-Russia ties: What is the bottom-line ahead of 2024 polls? The consistency in ties with New Delhi, at a time when Russia is facing isolation from the collective West due to war in Ukraine, remains a geopolitical asset for Moscow's corridors of power. An asset Putin would least want to lose.

Putin wished Modi well for Lok Sabha elections. Here’s what it means for India-Russia ties

<p>A reference to the popular Netflix series Money Heist to slam alleged corruption by a Congress lawmaker.</p>

<p>Pictographs showing faces with tears of joy, and so many 'warning' emojis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These are passé if they appear on an influencer's social media feed. But the person here is Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>The tone, tenor and colourful language in the recent social media outreach deployed by Modi ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections haven't gone unnoticed.</p>

<p>The season of elections in South Asia will conclude in New Delhi's corridors of power in the summer of 2024. Bangladesh is voting in January, Pakistan in February and India by all tentative estimates, in April and&nbsp;May. The calendar is packed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the old-school election campaigns with chest-thumping rallies are expected to dominate the news cycle in the coming weeks, much of the electoral fate of the South Asian capitals remains deeply connected to the use of social media by the leaders in power and their principal challengers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-elections-2024-pm-sheikh-hasina-led-14-party-alliance-to-head-to-polls-667359">Bangladesh elections 2024: PM Sheikh Hasina-led 14 party alliance to head to polls</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-nawaz-sharifs-pmln-faces-online-embarrassment-over-deleted-poll-656595">Pakistan elections: Nawaz Sharif's PML(N) faces online embarrassment over deleted poll</a></strong></p>

<p>Over 600 million eligible voters in India are aged between 18 to 35. The politicians are now adapting to the way youngsters — a massive voting block India — interact, and their methods of communication are partly redefining the politician-voter outreach in the world's biggest democracy.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-hails-four-state-election-results-as-victory-of-politics-of-development-665751">Indian PM Modi hails three-state election win as potential sign of third term in 2024</a></strong></p>

<p>Just within last week, the Indian Prime Minister Modi has stirred the pot on social media. First by posting a banner headline of a Hindi daily with a blend of tears of joy and 'warning emojis'.</p>

<p>"The countrymen should look at the pile of these notes and then listen to the honest 'speeches' of their leaders...," Modi wrote on X, formerly Twitter, while slamming the ₹350 Crore ($42mn) cash howl at the premises linked to opposition Congress party's&nbsp;lawmaker Dhiraj Sahu.</p>

<p>"Whatever has been looted from the public, every penny will have to be returned, this is Modi's guarantee," Modi posted on X.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">देशवासी इन नोटों के ढेर को देखें और फिर इनके नेताओं के ईमानदारी के 'भाषणों' को सुनें... 😂😂😂<br />
<br />
जनता से जो लूटा है, उसकी पाई-पाई लौटानी पड़ेगी, यह मोदी की गारंटी है।<br />
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❌❌❌💵 💵 💵❌❌❌ <a href="https://t.co/O2pEA4QTOj">pic.twitter.com/O2pEA4QTOj</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1733040901457322300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>On December 12, Modi reposted a video published by the X handle of Bharatiya Janata Party which drew parallels between Sahu's cash howl with Spanish Netflix crime drama Money Heist. "In India, who needs 'Money Heist' fiction, when you have the Congress Party, whose heists are legendary for 70 years and counting!," Modi wrote.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In India, who needs 'Money Heist' fiction, when you have the Congress Party, whose heists are legendary for 70 years and counting! <a href="https://t.co/J70MCA5lcG">https://t.co/J70MCA5lcG</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1734477685865488725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"He (Modi) is keeping it funny," said Adarsh Pandit, a New Delhi-based political strategist, when asked about the revamped social media outreach from Modi's account on X, formerly Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is how the people in their 20s or early 30s talk over social media. Most of our messages are just the emojis. Modi is simply bringing down his social media handles to the youth in the language they understand without being undignified."</p>

<p>Pandit, who was one of the key political strategists behind the BJP's win in the recently concluded state elections in central India's Chhattisgarh, added&nbsp;that taking on opposition through social media is not exclusively a Modi construct. "So many leaders in the West, be it Boris Johnson or Hillary Clinton use the social media to attack opposition black-and-white."</p>

<p>Pandit contends that Modi's revamped social media messaging is an attempt to ensure that the focus of national discussions ahead of 2024 polls "remains entirely on him."</p>

<p>But it's not just Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party who have deployed social media to target the younger demographics. The Opposition parties have blended viral trends and memes to attack Modi administration.</p>

<p>"Congress and Aam Aadmi Party have done quite well in their social media outreach," Pandit said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;"The BJP has frontrunner advantage," he added, noting&nbsp;that it's the distribution part of the social media outreach where the BJP has an edge over opposition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the early 2010s when the access to social media was beginning to shape up the public sphere in India, the BJP has created social media channels to distribute its messaging at "each and every polling booth".</p>

<p>"While the opposition can match the BJP on the content part. They have not been able to match against the distribution angle," Pandit said.</p>

<p>"That party structure is not there with any other party but the BJP. It is one thing to create good content but it is completely different to disseminate it to the basic of all levels. That's where the BJP wins," he added.&nbsp;</p>


A reference to the popular Netflix series Money Heist to slam alleged corruption by a Congress lawmaker. Pictographs showing faces with tears of joy, and so many 'warning' emojis.

A reference to the popular Netflix series Money Heist to slam alleged corruption by a Congress lawmaker. Pictographs showing faces with tears of joy, and so many 'warning' emojis. These are passé if they appear on an influencer's social media feed. But the person here is Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The tone, tenor and colourful language in the recent social media outreach deployed by Modi ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections haven't gone unnoticed. The season of elections in South Asia will conclude in New Delhi's corridors of power in the summer of 2024. Bangladesh is voting in January, Pakistan in February and India by all tentative estimates, in April and May. The calendar is packed. While the old-school election campaigns with chest-thumping rallies are expected to dominate the news cycle in the coming weeks, much of the electoral fate of the South Asian capitals remains deeply connected to the use of social media by the leaders in power and their principal challengers. Also read | Bangladesh elections 2024: PM Sheikh Hasina-led 14 party alliance to head to polls Also read | Pakistan elections: Nawaz Sharif's PML(N) faces online embarrassment over deleted poll Over 600 million eligible voters in India are aged between 18 to 35. The politicians are now adapting to the way youngsters — a massive voting block India — interact, and their methods of communication are partly redefining the politician-voter outreach in the world's biggest democracy. Also read | Indian PM Modi hails three-state election win as potential sign of third term in 2024 Just within last week, the Indian Prime Minister Modi has stirred the pot on social media. First by posting a banner headline of a Hindi daily with a blend of tears of joy and 'warning emojis'. "The countrymen should look at the pile of these notes and then listen to the honest 'speeches' of their leaders...," Modi wrote on X, formerly Twitter, while slamming the ₹350 Crore ($42mn) cash howl at the premises linked to opposition Congress party's lawmaker Dhiraj Sahu. "Whatever has been looted from the public, every penny will have to be returned, this is Modi's guarantee," Modi posted on X. देशवासी इन नोटों के ढेर को देखें और फिर इनके नेताओं के ईमानदारी के 'भाषणों' को सुनें... 😂😂😂 जनता से जो लूटा है, उसकी पाई-पाई लौटानी पड़ेगी, यह मोदी की गारंटी है। ❌❌❌💵 💵 💵❌❌❌ pic.twitter.com/O2pEA4QTOj — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 8, 2023 × On December 12, Modi reposted a video published by the X handle of Bharatiya Janata Party which drew parallels between Sahu's cash howl with Spanish Netflix crime drama Money Heist. "In India, who needs 'Money Heist' fiction, when you have the Congress Party, whose heists are legendary for 70 years and counting!," Modi wrote. In India, who needs 'Money Heist' fiction, when you have the Congress Party, whose heists are legendary for 70 years and counting! https://t.co/J70MCA5lcG — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2023 × "He (Modi) is keeping it funny," said Adarsh Pandit, a New Delhi-based political strategist, when asked about the revamped social media outreach from Modi's account on X, formerly Twitter. "This is how the people in their 20s or early 30s talk over social media. Most of our messages are just the emojis. Modi is simply bringing down his social media handles to the youth in the language they understand without being undignified." Pandit, who was one of the key political strategists behind the BJP's win in the recently concluded state elections in central India's Chhattisgarh, added that taking on opposition through social media is not exclusively a Modi construct. "So many leaders in the West, be it Boris Johnson or Hillary Clinton use the social media to attack opposition black-and-white." Pandit contends that Modi's revamped social media messaging is an attempt to ensure that the focus of national discussions ahead of 2024 polls "remains entirely on him." But it's not just Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party who have deployed social media to target the younger demographics. The Opposition parties have blended viral trends and memes to attack Modi administration. "Congress and Aam Aadmi Party have done quite well in their social media outreach," Pandit said. "The BJP has frontrunner advantage," he added, noting that it's the distribution part of the social media outreach where the BJP has an edge over opposition. Since the early 2010s when the access to social media was beginning to shape up the public sphere in India, the BJP has created social media channels to distribute its messaging at "each and every polling booth". "While the opposition can match the BJP on the content part. They have not been able to match against the distribution angle," Pandit said. "That party structure is not there with any other party but the BJP. It is one thing to create good content but it is completely different to disseminate it to the basic of all levels. That's where the BJP wins," he added.

Indian PM Modi's new social media strategy: Emojis, elections, 'Money Heist'

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